Staff Accountant

Seafood Watch

Seafood Watch

Accounting & Finance
Monterey, CA, USA
Posted on Oct 18, 2024

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

This role supports hybrid or remote work types as well as flexible scheduling.

Job Summary:

Under general supervision, perform tasks for month-end close, analyzing balance sheet and revenue and expense variances, reconciling sub-ledger reports to the general ledger, and preparing schedules for the annual financial audit and tax returns. Works closely with accounting managers, and program teams to ensure internal controls and operational processes comply with fiscal policies and procedures. Perform other duties as required.

Core Activities:

  • Perform the following components of the month end closing process:

o Reconcile sub-ledgers and data from other software platforms to general ledger accounts.

o Prepare journal entries to record current month activity as needed.

o Analyze low risk balance sheet accounts.

  • Prepare lower complexity audit and tax return schedules as assigned, including but not limited to prepaid assets, accounts receivable, and accrued expenses.
  • Post daily/weekly data from various software platforms to the general ledger, including but not limited to expense report and revenue platforms.
  • Identify and resolve any discrepancies between finance systems.
  • Assist with review and research of monthly financial statement variances.
  • Assist with recording accounting transactions and financial records in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
  • Identify process improvements to increase efficiencies and reduce costs.
  • Provide support to accounting related projects by participating on project teams, researching options, and testing and implementing new processes and systems.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

  • Bachelor’s degree, Accounting or Finance preferred or equivalent combination of education, training and experience
  • CPA or advanced degree a plus
  • 2-4 years’ experience as an Accountant
  • Adept at working both independently and as part of a team
  • Solid understanding of general accounting concepts
  • Proficient in Excel, Word and other Microsoft applications
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills
  • Attention to detail and is committed to producing accurate and well-organized work
  • Ability to follow internal controls/compliance
  • Ability to multitask, prioritize and work accurately while meeting deadlines
  • Self-motivated and able to plan daily workload
  • Ability to prepare and interpret financial data
  • A general interest in the not-for-profit industry and an interest in the mission of the organization, “To Inspire Conservation of the Ocean”
  • Knowledge of Sage Intacct, Tessitura and SQL a plus
  • Experience with payment processors a plus
  • Experience in Hospitality or Not-for-profit industry preferred
  • Ability to work within, and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

  • Typical office equipment
  • Constant sitting, standing, walking, bending
  • Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs
  • Typical office environment

Annual Compensation Range:

$58,000- $72,000 annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.